Peninsula Fiber Network, LLC (PFN) and WINN Communications announced today an agreement that will see the two companies merging, pending regulatory approvals. PFN is a leading provider of fiber optic-based telecommunications and Next Generation 9-11 services throughout Michigan, Wisconsin, and parts of Minnesota and includes overlaps with numerous more local groups like the Muninsingbased Hiawatha Communications. WINN Communications is an established telecommunications firm operating a fiber optic network in central Michigan with its headquarters in Mount Pleasant.

“We have known and worked with WINN for many years. Its fiber optic network fills a void for us in central Michigan and we are very excited to add its employees to the PFN family. We continue to grow rapidly and feel this move is key to continuing to deliver a quality customer experience,” PFN General Manager Scott Randall said.

In addition to its offices in Marquette and Lansing, PFN will gain offices in Mt Pleasant and Gaylord.

“We are very excited to join the PFN team. The synergies create great opportunities for both customers and team members. We feel this is an excellent fit as our cultural backgrounds are very similar and the growth potentials are vast, not just to gain and service customers but for team members to grow their talents,” Mark Graf, WINN Communications General Manager, said.

The combined companies will operate a fiber optic network that spans three states covering more than 6,000 miles. The merger will allow both companies to provide a more robust and more resilient network to their customers.

The close of the transaction is anticipated for March 1, 2023, pending usual federal and state regulatory approvals.